*************************************

The Senior Special Assistant to the Chief Executive, Mr Andrew Lo, issued the following statement today (July 24):

Since joining the Government, in the last three years I have met with many people from all walks of life. This is part of my work. I have always adopted an open attitude when inviting my contacts to express opinions and criticisms.

In January 1999, I called on the Vice-Chancellors of Hong Kong University and Chinese University to establish contact to facilitate future liaison. In meeting Vice-Chancellor Li, we discussed the general situation in Hong Kong and we also touched on the opinion polls conducted by the Chinese University. As Vice-Chancellor Li has confirmed to the media, he suggested that I should contact Professor Lau and Mr Wong Ka-ying. As there was no pressing need, I only met with the two academics early this year.

In January 1999, I also called on the Vice-Chancellor of the Hong Kong University. The nature of both calls was basically the same. The call on Vice-Chancellor Cheng was courtesy in nature to make his acquaintance, and the discussion led to the work of the University on opinion polls. The discussion was very cordial and the meeting lasted about 20 to 30 minutes. Vice-Chancellor Cheng had already given an account of the discussion at his press conference.

I should point out that my work involves liaison with different sectors of the community. At the time, I considered that the calls on the two Vice-Chancellors did not involve anything of special significance. Therefore, I did not report on these discussions to Mr Tung.

The University of Hong Kong will discuss tomorrow the establishment of the Commission of Enquiry. Following its establishment, I am prepared to cooperate fully with the Commission. If necessary, I am prepared to attend before the Commission to clarify the matter.

End/Monday, July 24, 2000

NNNN